Scott Visits S. Fla. After Signing Education Bills
NORTH LAUDERDALE, Fla. (CBSMiami.com) – Governor Rick Scott will be making an appearance at the North Broward Academy of Excellence Monday to tout legislation he signed that he claims will "strengthen, expand Charter and Virtual Schools."
"One of the critical components of creating jobs and turning Florida's economy around is to make sure our state has the best educated workforce, ready to work in our 21st century economy," Scott said in a statement.
Scott signed a number of bills on Monday including SB 1546 which will allow high-performing charter schools to increase enrollment and open more schools.
Scott also signed HB1331 that will allow parents of kids in poorly-performing schools to choose better schools.
"Florida will now be able to recruit and retain the best educators for our schools," Scott said. "Children should not be locked into going to a failing school just because of where they live, and families should have the right to choose an education best suited to their children."
But while Scott was celebrating, the Broward Teacher's Union was criticizing the governor for the plans that they say will negatively impact public schools.
"While Florida remains at the bottom of all states for traditional public school funding and the state's students took a $540 cut each this year, it is shameful that Governor Rick Scott would celebrate his signing into law use of the state's limited tax dollars for vouchers, virtual education and charter schools," BTU president Pat Santeramo said.
